How much oil are you using?

I checked the oil level today, no indication on the dipstick so I set about filling it up “a bit”
Before the level reached above the lower mark on the knurled section I ended up adding 600ml
Last time I checked it was before the run up to Northampton and it was fine.

There was no drama - I just checked as routine - I was getting a little more noise than usual from the engine (hard to believe you can hear it...!)

No indication of low level via the oil light
No excess level in the overflow bottle

I have been riding for longer periods at higher speeds so that could account for the extra oil used?
So, is this about normal?
John

I’d say don’t be concerned,U gotta be pretty low for that light To come on,& I mean low,u should never see it come on if u do all your regular checks

Oil light is for Oil Pressure . If this comes on you may be out of oil ! I usually check oil after my rides too , I don't want to be surprised next day . If its not going into the air box bottle then out the exhaust ? And no other leaks ? But be sure that your air box drain tube is clear and not collecting in there. Other than that , no other explanation and I know based on your posts that you're checking the oil level correctly . Guys don't forget about the Trans/primary oil too. Its easy to overlook and before a long (trip) ride make sure its topped up . With the longer knurled dip stick I think capacity is 2.3 L with fresh oil filter . Some guys fill half way up or 1/3 up the knurl , but I go to the top of knurling . Then I let it find its own level from there while I monitor it daily . The oil stick is easy to check and it should be routine on this bike. Until you've done high speed runs and I don't mean like Voodoo (125 +) just 75 to 80 mph indicated . But sustained - (fill the tank run 80 mph until you need gas - repeat ...) , you really don't know what you've got going on . Now my large oil catch bottle doesn't seem so funny anymore .

When I say tested and proven on the American Interstate I mean it !

TonyA said:

Guys don't forget about the Trans/primary oil too. Its easy to overlook and before a long (trip) ride make sure its topped up

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Tony
How do you check time level of the gearbox/trans oil?
The workshop manual indicates removing the fill to spill plug and the filler plug and fill until it stops spilling out. A new crush washer is then needed as the filler plug is also the oil in air box fix.....Seems a bit involved just to check the level?
John

Edit: Checked air box - no oil and definitely no leaks (I would notice on a white concrete floor!) so prob going out the exhaust.

Take out the fill to spill plug , and check with a small allen key. Dip the wrench in the hole you should get oil on it. Try to keep the bike level or put on a paddock stand. You won't need another copper washer if you need to open the fill plug. Just reuse it. I reuse mine over and over.

I check my engine oil once every 3 or 4 rides. It's been 4/5 up the knurled section for over 3k miles and hasn't moved a bit. Still fairly clean too. Not much carbon like before my bike was fitted with the new valve cover and rings. Time to change it soon. I should be more diligent on the tranny/primary. Last checked about 600 miles ago. It's moved about 3mm from the spill hole. It gets a bit of that silvery sheen which I find a bit concerning.

That is good oil consumption. Maybe you can change the trans/primary oil more often say every 2000 miles for the next few oil changes to monitor it.

Britfan60 said:

I check my engine oil once every 3 or 4 rides. It's been 4/5 up the knurled section for over 3k miles and hasn't moved a bit. Still fairly clean too. Not much carbon like before my bike was fitted with the new valve cover and rings. Time to change it soon. I should be more diligent on the tranny/primary. Last checked about 600 miles ago. It's moved about 3mm from the spill hole.

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TonyA said:

That is good oil consumption. Maybe you can change the trans/primary oil more often say every 2000 miles for the next few oil changes to monitor it.

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Been planning on it.

Britfan60 said:

Been planning on it.

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Just checked tranny fluid. Had to top it off 300ml. Thats about 1200 miles. I do run the airbox hose unplugged. I dont have a catch bottle but a slighy wider diameter clear tubing. I plugged it to see what ha.ppens. I kind of like having a still new looking air filter after almost 11000 miles.

Got my 100ml syringe off ebay with a plastic pipe. Worked a treat, one pull back and bottle almost empty so that must be another 800-1000 miles before i need to do that again. So much easier than removing the bottle and scraping the knuckles.